Recycling Week kicks-off today promising a week of exciting, high profile activities focusing on the benefits of recycling, until June 8.
To mark the event a six-metre replica of Big Ben's tower constructed with Coca Cola cans and bottles has been unveiled in London's South Bank.
The sculptures - there are several others across the country including replicas of the Angel of the North, Clifton suspension Bridge and Birmingham's Bull - have been commissioned by Coca-Cola to raise recycling awareness.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson praised recycling week as a fantastic initiative saying:
"I hope the sight of one of London's most famous landmarks made from recycled drink cans will inspire Londoners to make an extra effort to recycle their rubbish."
Big Ben is by well known sculptor Robert Bradford, who lives in Cornwall where he is well known for his ‘Bombus Bee’ sculpture at the Eden Project., and for his pyrotechnical fire sculptures on Bodmin Moor.
Recycle Week is launched by WRAP - a not-for-profit company helping people and organisations reduce waste.
The annual event, which is now in its fifth year, is organised by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) in partnership with the leading materials recycling organisations, British Glass, Corus, Novelis, PaperChain and Recoup. Recycle Week is also supported by the national recycling campaigns in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, together with a growing number of local authorities.
Fridey Cordingley, Head of Recycle Now said:
“Recycle Week continues to go from strength to strength which reflects the continued and valued support from our all our industry partners, including local authorities.
“The Week is increasingly being used as an effective platform to communicate positive messages about recycling and showcase real achievements, as well as to inspire the public to recycle even more. Last year there were 168 local events during the Week and the continued, enthusiastic support from local authorities is a major key to its success. We are looking forward to building on previous years to make 2008 the best one yet.”